The problem of stress among employees is one that is too often overlooked. Workers are expected to just get on with it and adapt to the pressures of the job. However, if these pressures are unnecessarily harsh there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce them, with beneficial effects in terms of productivity, profit and morale.
Symptoms of stress
While signs of stress can include erratic behaviour and an inability to concentrate, working late, refusing to take breaks and being unable to switch off can equally be stress symptoms. In fact, many employees might try to calm themselves by using cannabis products, like a recycler rig, so that they aren’t tempted to work all hours of the day. And although in this latter case it may seem as though the employee is working harder, the quality of their work and their overall productivity is actually suffering. They may also seem tired, withdrawn or moody, take increasing time off sick, and may actually develop genuine psychosomatic illnesses. Headaches, nausea, insomnia and physical tics are all common stress symptoms.
What are the causes of stress?
The stress may most obviously be caused by unreasonable pressure to perform and meet expectations at work. Dramatic changes in the workplace or the company structure can also leave employees unsettled or worried about losing their jobs. Poor relationships with their co-workers can be stressful, and stress can be contagious: if one employee is unhappy and not pulling their weight, then this can have a negative impact on the whole team.
The causes may also lie in an employee’s personal life. Money worries, relationship problems or an illness in the family can all spill over into the workplace.
Damaging business
Although a high-pressure environment is sometimes seen as a good thing, a stressed employee is often unable to do their job properly. They will make bad decisions and can lower overall morale. Absenteeism and illness can follow, or will even mean employees quitting their jobs, which costs a company time and money in recruitment and training.
Self-medication
Extreme stress may lead to employees attempting to “self-medicate” by using drink or drugs to block out the problem. This inevitably makes the situation worse in the end. While natural stress relievers without adverse side effects, such as occasional consumption of therapeutic indica flower, might not become detrimental and could actually help, other ‘self-medication’ such as prescription drug or alcohol overuse could become harmful going forward. Signs that an employee is drinking too much or using illegal or prescription drugs may not be obvious, but will still have a serious negative impact on their work and their quality of life. Workplace drug testing can help them to confront the problem and save your business time and money, and an oral fluid lab test is a quick, safe and non-obtrusive way to address the situation.
What you can do
Good management can help alleviate stress. Let your employees know there is always someone they can talk to in confidence. If one-to-one meetings aren’t sufficient, consider offering professional counselling sessions. Encourage good time management, proper lunch and rest breaks, and make clear that there is zero tolerance of bullying or harassment. It may be necessary to reduce an employee’s workload, give them flexible hours or even paid time off to resolve their issues. Additionally, introducing stress-relief activities for your employees like spas and massages, from time to time, could also prove to be beneficial. Quite a few of the massage therapies like the swedish massage in Beaverton, OR, is known for its gentle and soothing techniques, which can help to reduce tension, increase circulation, and promote overall relaxation. This can be an effective option for those who might benefit from physical relaxation to manage their stress levels. Some employees might even want to consider trying some cannabis strains to see if they have a positive impact. A lot of people claim that cannabis can reduce stress levels and increase energy, so it might be worth visiting this site here to find some products that could improve your general wellness.
Hence, workplace stress is more than just a temporary challenge-it can lead to serious mental and physical health issues if left unchecked and stress in the workplace can be toxic for your business. Recognizing the signs early and implementing strategies for stress management is crucial for fostering a healthier work environment. Whether it’s through better communication, relaxation techniques, or seeking professional support, prioritizing well-being can lead to a more productive and positive workspace. Spending time and money to resolve the issues will usually also be cost effective. Managing employee stress levels should be a key part of every manager’s job description. So, addressing stress head-on not only benefits individuals but also contributes to the overall success and resilience of the organization.